MTA President Paul Toner called Markey a "strong and effective advocate for public education and the rights of working men and women."

The MTA has more than 100,000 members in Massachusetts and is an affiliate of the National Education Association, which also endorsed Markey on Wednesday.

Markey is facing off against U.S. Rep. Stephen Lynch in the April 30 Democratic primary.

Lynch said he supports collective bargaining rights for public employees, expanded early education and teacher training, and a student evaluation system that relies on more than standardized test scores.

Lynch said he's also a strong supporter of charter schools.

Two Republicans, Norfolk state Rep. Daniel Winslow and Cohasset businessman Gabriel Gomez, are also running.

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